Makalidurga Trek from Bangalore

Makalidurga trekking Information

1. Can you tell me about the difficulty level of Makalidurga Trek?

Trek gradient moderate to strenuous. Makali Durga is a continuously uphill trail with some rising and falling segments. The path is uneven and comprises of muddy and gravel terrain with a few rock patches and boulders to cross.

2. Makalidurga Trekking Distance?

Trekking distance is seven to eight km, both the ways. It will take three to four hours to complete the trek. 

3. Food and Water availability during the Makalidurga Trekking?

There are no water sources one should carry at least 2 litres of water before starting the trek. Please bring some snacks like whole fruit, energy bars, cakes for eating during the trek. 

4. Best months to visit Makalidurga Trek? 

It is highly recommended to trek during the winter months. The best months are September to March as, during heavy monsoons, the trail becomes murky and slippery, which makes the descent difficult, and it is too humid during summers. 

Highlights of the Makalidurga Trek:

The day trek to Makalidurga slope from Bangalore is an absolute necessity to accomplish for those looking for history, nature, and experience in all. This journey, covering 5 to 6 km from the lower regions, is appraised direct and straightforward. A spot to investigate the vintage style journey, Makalidurga is the best trek close to Bangalore to begin the trekking journey. 

Nestling a little fortress on the head of the slope, you can locate an old sanctuary of Shiva with Nandi also. With a lake cuddling on the west side of the slope, the peak turns into an ideal one to hike. 

Dive in the sentiment of exploring erstwhile India and admire the excellence of nature at its pinnacle. As you rise, you will see a post utilized by the Empire of Vijayanagara to prepare to their officers and sanctuary of Lord Shiva. The vista of the lake from the top is fantastic and entrancing. 

As you reach Makalidurga, you are dazed by the quietness of the spot. There are not many individuals around, and it is an energizing experience to escape from the traffic and clamour. 

The feature of the Makalidurga fortress is that it stands a granite hillock. While the hiking trail here may not be as mainstream as that of Savandurga, it is an in all worth the experience. What's more, the best part is you won't discover the journey to the head of the hillock excessively burdening. The head of the slope gets you close and personal with the stronghold's remnants, which spread across a significant territory. 

Makalidurga is around 60 kilometers from Bangalore, and only 15 kilometers from Doddaballapur and is easily accessible by roads and railroads. It is an all-season journey for novices just as experienced adventurers and individuals searching for a brisk end of the week escape. 

This hillock loaded up with date plants, lemongrass, and little rocks. From the peak, it is beautiful to see the lakes on sides, surprising streets, and the railroad track beneath this slope. The brief look at the train from here is exceptionally energizing. 

Plunk down cloud-looking the puffy whiteness that specks the purplish-blue sky, and obviously, click photos of the lake far beneath that looks a great deal like the South American landmass. Give all the perspiring and gasping some rest to absorb the view Makalidurga offers. 

How to reach Makalidurga Trek? 

• Nearest Bus station: Doddaballapura which is 10 km away from Makalidurga
• Nearest Railway Station: Makalidurga railway station.
• Nearest Airport: Bangalore Airport

Makalidurga Trek from Bangalore:

Makalidurga located about 60 km from Bangalore and took just short of two hours to reach the place. The best way to reach Makalidurga from Bangalore is to take the train from Yesvantpur Junction, which leaves at 08:15 hours. Makalidurga has a tiny station, and the train passing through the hills is an enchanting sight indeed.

By road, you can reach Doddaballapur from Bangalore, which is about 35 km away, and then ask directions to Makalidurga from the locals. Makalidurga situated at about 15 km from Doddaballapur, and it should take about half an hour to reach the destination. 

Bangalore to Makalidurga distance is 58 km via State Highway 9. From Bangalore, connect to Bellary road / Ramana Maharshi road. Drive from State Highway 9 to Melinajuganahalli. Drive along this road for around 50 km. Take a left to reach Makalidurga.

Makalidurga Trek Fees and permission

Once you reach the forest department, the villagers in charge will make you visit a website where you will have to register and pay of ₹250 INR per adult. The Karnataka Forest Department has issued a notice that the Makali hills come under Makali Reserve Forest, which is under the supervision of the Doddaballapur forest department. Trekking without permission is prohibited, which is an offence under Section 24(C) II of Karnataka Forest Act-1963. The department has provided the facility for trekking through online booking via website www.myecotrip.com. Also, night trekking and camping are strictly prohibited, and one can trek from Morning 6:00 am to evening 5:00 pm only. 

Makalidurga Trek detailed itinerary

Seldom does a hike starts along a railroad track, and Makalidurga offers this out of the box experience. There are two different ways to approach Makalidurga. One can either stroll along the railroad lines to arrive at the base of the trek, which is super fun. The other is by entering the parking area by private vehicle and beginning from Muthurayaswamy Temple. Even though the temple is the real beginning point of the trek, it is an exciting stroll from the Railway Station to the sanctuary for two kilometers.

Begin walking by taking a right turn inside the railroad station with Makalidurga hill facing you. It is a straight 2.2-kilometer pleasant walk. However, be aware of the trains passing by and consistently adhere to the path and o not walk on the tracks. You will see a green landscape and huge boulders surrounding you, while stones and iron rods are in the middle. Such a differentiation while you draw nearer to Makalidurga. Search for the stone mark, which says '54/300′. Denotes the conclusion of the railroad line walking section. Keep to your left and under a 100 meters search for a billboard from the Forest Department on the left and traverse to the path. Here you will discover Muthurayaswamy sanctuary to your right side. There are a few houses here, the place where the trek commences. After a couple of meters, one can locate an open ground with a perspective of the mountain. Follow the path straight ahead until you arrive at a bifurcation, with the path to left prompting towards Gundamagere Lake and a somewhat raised way to your right leading to Makalidurga.

Take the path to your right side. The way to the head of the slope is all around set apart by bolts on the rocks. Tail them to be on the right track. The trail begins to get dubious as the climb gets more extreme. Advance up through rocks and stones with loose rock. Odds of slipping are more in this segment. When the dubious area is done, the path opens up to an all-encompassing view of Gundamagere Lake. Stop for a second and absorb it in the view. A brief time from here, you will climb the last steep stone. One should take the aid of boulders as one moves up. This guarantees there is sufficient grasp for you to arrive at the top securely.

 Continue towards fortress on a somewhat steep path, and in around 20 minutes, you will arrive at the stronghold at the top, which denotes the finish of the climb. You will be welcomed by the historic fort walls which will tell their history. One can locate two lakes from the top, Gundamagere Lake toward the West and Gunjur Lake toward the East. The fundamental feature of the trek is Makali Malleshwara sanctuary at the top, encompassed by fortress dividers. The antiquated sanctuary has icons of Lord Shiva and Nandi and still pulls in aficionados from nearby towns. Meander around and investigate the fortress. You may discover an assortment of old items like rocks containing antiquated compositions, flimsy symbols on the top of the temple. Notice the quiet and the hints of nature. Loosen up your over-worked muscles before you start your excursion back to base.